Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series
Redbone ~ Celebrating the Adventurous Lifestyle

2017 Redbone Red*Trout Series
Lowcountry Red*Trout Celebrity Classic

The Lowcountry RedTrout Celebrity Classic was happy to celebrate its 16th year. Anglers and guides enjoyed dinner and a live and silent auction on Friday evening sponsored by Merrill Lynch to kick off the weekend. The evening included special recognition for committee member and CF dad, Matt Arrants, who received the annual Rob Shore Award. This award was presented by Rob's grandfather, Bob Royall. The award is named in memory of Rob Shore who lost his battle with CF in February 2013. It is given annually to an individual involved with the tournament who demonstrates leadership, enthusiasm, and a love for fishing.

The tournament was pleased to welcome Brennen Reeves as our keynote speaker. During his senior year at college, Brennen started to create a one-man show based on his life and struggles having grown up with cystic fibrosis, as well as the survival of a double lung transplant that he received when he was 19-years-old. Created with David Lee Nelson, his professor at the time, the two workshopped the idea for over a year, eventually turning the project into "BREATHE. A TRUE STORY." Brennen continues to perform on stage regionally and around the country as he tours his show. Anglers and their Captains took to the water on Saturday and Sunday. This year, the tournament welcomed celebrities Paul Puckett, a well-known wildlife artist, Fly Navarro, a seasoned offshore fisherman, and Ed Marinaro, former Heisman runner-up and sitcom star. The 2017 tournament hosted 40 boats, the largest pool yet!

As scores were tallied on Sunday afternoon, the title of Grand Champion Angler went to Reese Havens. Guide to the Grand Champion, Captain John Irwin, was happy to finally put this feather in his cap. Irwin, a renowned Charleston, SC guide, sits on the planning committee and is owner of Fly Right Charters. These individuals received special original paintings courtesy of artist Paul Puckett. The event raised nearly $100,000 for the CF Foundation. Special thanks must be given to the scoring team of John Bushong, Mark Davidson, Bob deHoll, and Stanley Knight. We look forward to next year’s tournament, being planned for October 2018 in Charleston, SC.


Photos:

Anglers checking out the scores (artwork for the tournament shirt courtesy of Paul Puckett and chosen intentionally because of the CF "65 Roses" story)

Grand Champion Angler Reese Havens (left) and Grand Champion Guide John Irwin (middle)

Junior Angler Marshall McArthur who fished with Captain Brandon Long